Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are both standing out on a balcony overlooking the grand Equestrian city of Canterlot.
It being before that time when Celestia raises the sun as Luna lowers the moon.
Though as before they start to begin their royal duties, one of the royal guards come rushing towards them.
“Your highnesses, urgent news coming from Southern Equestria.”
The two princesses look at each other nervously.
“Go on. What news you bring to us?” Celestia says calmly to him.
“It's... He's back.”
All that was calm has now left.
“Quickly my sister, we must alert Twilight and the others. If we act now, we can stop him before he does any damage.” Celestia commands her sister to do, then making appear a scroll to write on.
Luna nods her head in agreement, then quickly heads for the balcony's exit before she realizes: “Um... after we raise and lower the sun and the moon?”
Celestia appears already in tune to writing on the scroll before Luna had spoken to her, realizing too of their duties. “Perhaps it can wait a minute.”
* * *
It's a beautiful, sunny day in Ponyville.
Everypony is out and about throughout the town, whether it's shopping for the latest fad in fashion or grabbing a bite to eat.
We see both Lyra Heartstrings and Sweetie Drops (or Bon Bon for short) outside sitting at a table belonging to one of Ponyville’s most fanciest restaurants, both munching on apples. In the nearby alley next to the restaurant, Derpy and Doctor Whooves appear both standing by a big blue telephone booth.
The doctor though looking quite angry, while Derpy just strugs, less worrisome.
All four of them along with the ponies in town though not noticing the small purple dragon on his way to Twilight's castle.
Spike, trying to run as fast as he can, carrying in his claws a scroll sent to him from Princess Celestia herself, and as always assuming it's for Twilight.
After running (and taking a break every once in awhile) through Ponyville, Spike finally makes it to the Castle of Friendship.
Going in through the big double doors and searching aimlessly all throughout the long, empty hallways of the Castle, Spike finally finds Twilight in the Throne Room, Pinkie Pie and Applejack appearing next to her (cutie marks a glowing), plus the cutie map also being up.
“Oh, uh sorry to bother everypony but it's...” Spike brings the letter out and shows it to Twilight, nodding his head at the scroll in an urgent manner.
“Can it wait for a while longer? We're in the middle of figuring out a potential friendship problem in Fillydelphia.” Twilight answers back to Spike.
“Uh huh. When our tooshies get a glowing, friendship gets a going.” Pinkie Pie says happily.
“I'll be with you in a minute. Just stay there, okay?”
“Oh alright. Plus, I could use a minute or two of rest," Spike says as he walks over and climbs unto his own throne, “I did run all the way here from Rarity’s.” Spike stretches his arms out and gives a yawn, closing his eyes, still holding onto the scroll.
Twilight gives a slight smile towards him before turning her attention back to the map.
“So like I said before. Why would the map call me and Pinkie Pie? I'm sure there's a reasonable, logical explanation for all of this that includes multiple graphs and such, but I just don't see it.” Applejack asks her question once more.
“Maybe the map sees us both as family. Plus with your honest-to-goodness qualities plus my party planning skills, we make such a great team!” Pinkie says positively to AJ.
“Why, don't really see how all that adds up, but I guess if you're happy then I'm happy.” Applejack says as Pinkie smiles big and bright.
“I know with the both of you two handling this friendship emergency that everything will be okay.” Twilight says confidently to them.
“Well with that said. Me and Pinkie better start packing if we're gonna make the next train to Fillydelphia." Applejack says before heading on out of the throne room, only for Pinkie to somehow magically appear in front of the door leading out.
“No need to worry about that. I always plan emergency packed saddlebags just in case of situations like these.” Pinkie says before opening the door to reveal on the other side two already packed saddlebags. One being orange with a sewed on patch of an apple on it, and the other one pink with sewed on balloon patches and pieces of confetti glued to it.
“Wow Pinkie. I don't even recall you bringing them saddlebags here with ya.”
“You two seem to know what to do next. I wish both of you the best of luck in helping spread the magic of friendship.” Twilight salutes to them both, watching as AJ and Pinkie leave the Castle altogether, saddlebags with them. Pinkie of course bouncing out of the place.
As soon as the front doors closes, Twilight makes her way back to the Throne Room, going to check on what Spike had brought for her.
Still on his throne, Spike appears sleeping on his side, both claws under his head to act as a pillow, the scroll laying on one of the arms' rest.
Twilight quietly casts a spell to turn off the cutie map for now, Spike however would hear this and immediately wake up from his slumber, stretching his arms out a little and giving a yawn.
“So, now that they're both gone, you should probably see this letter from the Princess herself. I just have a bad feeling that it's not good.” Spike says, standing up on his throne and holding out the scroll for Twilight.
“Well, you sure seem super interested in this more than usual.” Twilight says sarcastically, levitating the scroll from Spike’s grip over to her.
“Heh, we all get excited for even the smallest of things.” Spike shrugs, Twilight rolling her eyes with a smile on her face.
Twilight opens up the scroll, going straight to reading it.
Towards the end of the letter, Twilight’s eyes get big, pupils shrinking, as in becoming shocked.
“What... what is it?” Spike asks as in response to Twilight's reaction.
Twilight shakes off her shocked expression, putting the scroll onto the map table.
“Spike, gather the rest of our friends and meet me at the train station. If they ask why, say..., say Celestia’s counting on us.” Twilight tells Spike what to do before walking out of the room and towards the Library. Spike running up beside her.
“Like now! Shouldn't we wait until after Pinkie Pie and Applejack return, and-”
“I know, but Celestia wants us immediately," Twilight interrupts Spike, “But to answer you, I'll make sure to write to let them know if they're needed as soon as their friendship mission is over.”
Twilight opens up the Library's doors. “Let's say fifteen minutes. That should be enough time to gather everypony up. I'll be right there at the station.”
Spike nods his head in agreement, soon after running out of the Castle to go and get the rest of their friends.
Why would Celestia want all of Twilight's friends?
Was Equestria in mortal danger?
Did a mean ol’ baddie from the past return to strike vengeance on the ponies?
Or is it something minor like a filly’s birthday party gone wrong?
Whether or not, Twilight knew that she and her friends can handle anything.
That sort of positive thinking would be needed the most for the journey up ahead.
* * *
While on the train ride to Canterlot, Twilight and the rest of her friends, barring Applejack and Pinkie Pie, along with Spike, are all together for whatever reason Celestia needs of them.
“So, what does the princess want with us exactly? All we got out of Spike were, and to be exact, 'Twilight, Celestia, train station, fifteen minutes!!'.” Rainbow Dash asks Twilight, doing somewhat of a good Spike impression.
“I’m... actually not so sure about it myself. But I’m sure whatever it is, it’s urgent.” Twilight answers back to Rainbow.
“As long as it isn’t having to save Equestria from another thousand year old evil being wanting to enact his revenge on ponies. Oh, I wish it isn’t. There’s this new koala at the sanctuary that’s really hurt, and I should keep checking on the poor little thing.” Fluttershy said worryingly.
“Oh I know how you feel. I was busy at work on a very important client’s gala gown before Spike came a calling. I should really finish it by the end of the week.” Rarity said as Spike blushes a little.
“I know you all have things to do, but maybe if we’re lucky, it’s only for one small thing. Maybe.” Twilight says convincingly to her friends.
“Well whatever it is, I’m sure we’ll take it on like we do with all the other baddies from the past! Because we’re awesome and nothing can break our friendship.” Rainbow says as she pulls everyone into a tight hug.
That kind of spirit was just what everyone needed for today.
After they (or Rainbow to be exact) breaks away from the hug, the train stops at their destination.
“Well, here we go.” Twilight tells the others as they all get off the train and towards the Canterlot Castle.
* * *
Inside Canterlot Castle's Throne Room, Celestia is shown sitting on her throne, looking the more nervous and awake every time she takes a sip of her coffee held between her hooves. Luna just staying by Celestia’s side, looking boringly at a newspaper she appears to be reading.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna," Twilight announces as she and her friends run into the Throne Room, all five of them bowing before them once they get close, “We’ve received word of you needing us for an urgent emergency. Whatever it is, we’re all here now.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow says as she flies up into the air, flying near the princesses, “Whatever baddie it is that may be the threat, you can always trust in the six of us," Rainbow happens to look down at her friends, however also noticing that Spike’s also with the group, “Ah, seven, I should say.”
Below her, Spike bears a smile after hearing of Rainbow include him too.
Twilight walks more closer to the two alicorns. “Well technically five I guess. Pinkie and Applejack are busy on a friendship mission right now to join us.”
After hearing this latest bit of news, Celestia hurls up the gulp of coffee she'd recently taken a swig of.
Noticing this, Twilight asks: “Is everything alright? You two do appear acting a bit... different than usual.”
“Oh I know. I’ve always thought of Celestia as more of a tea drinker.” Rarity says as she walks over to Twilight’s side.
“True. Something does look to be bothering you.” Fluttershy says as walks over by Rarity.
“No no, it’s nothing,” Celestia lowers her coffee mug onto her throne’s armrest, then immediately summoning up an ancient looking book to her side. The book looking old, ragged, and all torned up, “You want to explain?” Celestia asks Luna, looking to her.
“I suppose. You did get to tell it for a thousand years.” Luna says, saying the last part as a joke. Celestia giving a slight smile towards her.
Luna handles the book from her sister’s magical grip, immediately opening it up to a certain page.
Twilight steps up closer to them. “That book is something I’ve never seen before. You probably wouldn’t mind if you let me borrow it... to understand it more?” Twilight asks them, giving them both a cheesy grin. The princesses both giving her a look. Rainbow Dash behind her facehoofing.
“Maybe when all is calm but for now," Luna finds where to start reading, “Ah yes, here we are.”
“More than a thousand years ago, way before even we and all other well known ponies were born, lived a beast. This beast had the head of a dragon, body of a pony, and tail that of a manticore. This beast was known to us as Toras.” Luna looks up from her book out onto the ponies, seeing their reaction of this beast whom she just told about.
Fluttershy already looking to be scared of the beast just from the description of it alone, Rarity being by her side, placing a hoof to comfort her friend.
Rainbow Dash flying up in the air, “pretending” to look brave, though a little scared on the inside.
And Twilight, of course, looking to be thinking heavily of the beast whom she probably just heard about now. What was she thinking? Who knows.
“The Toras wasn’t easy to banish from our lands. Why, it took almost every magical unicorn to create a spell that wouldn’t let the beast come near us. And now it appears that he has found a way to get back into Equestria,” Celestia tells the ponies, “Which is why you are here.”
Rarity walks closer up to the princesses. “And surely how can we stop this beast from so long ago? If we create another spell to keep it out, it’ll just find another way to get back in, won’t it?”
“I’m afraid yes it would," Luna looks towards Celestia then back at the girls, “But we do have a solution that will keep the Toras banished forever.”
“Well, what are you waitin’ for?! Spill! What do you two have in mind to banish this thing once and for all?!” Rainbow Dash says while flying up in the air, doing little karate moves while speaking.
“Oh, well the thing is, you probably won’t like it,” Celestia takes a short glance towards Luna, Luna shaking her head at her sister, “The solution is... to use the Elements of Harmony on the Toras, and banish him once and for all.”
“WHAT!?!”
* * *
“Use the elements? But won’t Equestria be in danger if the Tree of Harmony is without them?” Rainbow Dash asks, still shocked from what the princesses had said earlier.
“Well true, but we feel that the tree should have enough magic for itself without the elements' help.” Luna says, answering Rainbow’s question.
“Yes, but still, the tree is defenseless from whatever evil that wants to destroy it. Who knows how much magic it could have left?” Rarity asks to either one of the princesses.
While all of her friends are busy questioning the princesses' motives, Twilight walks off over to the side, thinking of this situation to herself.
Right as Twilight stops thinking to herself does she happen to look up at the window of her and her friends defeating Discord, realizing that it was them that got through it together. Their friendship overcoming Discord’s game to save the day.
Twilight thinks for a second before walking back over to the princesses, getting in the middle of her friends, and saying to them all: “Alright we’ll do it. We’ll use the elements.”
All of her friends look at her shocked. Twilight though feeling confident.
* * *
The Mane 6 (excluding Applejack and Pinkie Pie) plus Spike now find themselves walking over to the cave that houses the Tree of Harmony. And in it, the elements.
Everypony has been as unusually and equally quiet since they were in the Throne Room.
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy still looking over at Twilight shocked/surprised that she agreed to the princesses’ plan.
Twilight did know of the potential consequences of removing the elements from the tree.
Rainbow Dash would finally break the silence as they all reached the cave’s entrance: “Okay, so you wanna tell us, your friends, what is it you have planned?”
“I suppose so," Twilight said as she soon faces all her friends, “While I do know of the consequences that removing the elements from the tree will do, I also know that they could be the only best option we’ve got in banishing this thing. Once and for all. I know this will be tough, and our friendship may get tested, but I know we can overcome anything as a team.”
Rainbow Dash walks a little closer to Twilight. “Yeah, but what if something were to happen to the elements while using them? This beast could swipe them away from us and destroy them, once and for all.” Rainbow getting up on her hind legs to empathize the last part.
“I do have to agree with Dash here. If something were to happen, the future of Equestria could be in big danger.” Rarity says walking by Rainbow, defending her.
“Um, I have to agree with Rainbow Dash also.” Fluttershy says softly.
“I know your concerns. And to be honest, I feel the same way as you three, but if we can banish this thing once and for all, the future of Equestria will be forever saved. And if say it costs a few hours or days with an element -less tree, then I think we can manage it.”
The three girls still stare at Twilight before huddling together.
“Um, you think I could get a say in all this?” Spike says walking over to Twilight, her just giving a strug back.
A few seconds later the three break from their huddle, Rainbow speaking up for them: “We have all decided... to go with your plan. It may be risky, but as your friends we trust in you.” Rainbow gives a smile, Rarity and Fluttershy doing the same.
Twilight gives a smile back. “Well now that that’s settled, shall we?” She motions her hoof towards the tree, them all soon walking over to it.
When they all reach the tree, staring at its beauty, Twilight casts a spell. Coming from her horn and directly to the exact center of the tree, soon after all the elements release, the red lightning bolt one going over to Rainbow, turning into its usual necklace when it gets close. The same happening to the others when the purple diamond goes to Rarity, the pink butterfly over to Fluttershy.
And lastly the star in the middle of the tree going over to Twilight, becoming its usual crown, planting itself right on Twilight’s head.
The last two, the orange apple and the blue balloon, immediately turns into their usual necklace while in the air, Spike having to hurry and catch both of them as they fall.
“So we have the elements. But what do we do about Applejack and Pinkie? It’s not like we can wait ‘til they get back.” Rarity said after all the elements are formally removed from the tree.
“No need to worry. On the way here, I’ve written and sent a letter to them both. Telling them that after your friendship mission is complete, to take the next train to the farest it will take you to the southern Equestrian border. So yeah, I think we’ll good.” Twilight geekly tells them all, finishing with a snort.
“Give it to Twilight to properly prepare.” Spike whispers to Rarity.
“Anyway, what do we do now?” Fluttershy asks Twilight.
Twilight puts a wingtip to her mouth, thinking. “Hmm. I’ll say we head south. If you wanna go back to Ponyville to grab some things, or say goodbyes to loved ones, then I’m all for it.” Twilight gives a small smile.
The girls all nod their head once before leaving the cave together.
* * *
Back in the Castle of Friendship, Twilight can be seen in her room, busy packing her saddlebags that she'll take with her on this mission.
When she finishes packing and places the bags on her back, then walking down the Castle's hallway, Spike, after waiting for so long, immediately comes running up to her, carrying with him a small suitcase, packed heavily to the fullest it can go.
“Twilight... let me... hold up!" Spike pants for air, what from his running.
Spike catches his breath a second later, then saying: “Wait up. I got my stuff all packed, and I’m ready to help beat this thing and save Equestria.”
Twilight looks down at Spike nervously. “Right, about that,” Twilight sits down on her haunches, motioning a hoof for Spike to do the same, “Listen. I know you want to help, and I’m not bothered by it. But it’s just, while on the train ride here, I was thinking. And well, I think that you should stay here while me and my friends go on our adventure. I hope you understand.”
“Understand? But I’ve been on lots of adventures with you and your friends. What makes this any better than before?” Spike asks Twilight.
“I know you’ve been on many adventures before, but this just feels different. Don’t you see that Celestia and Luna have asked of us to banish this creature. And that we have to take a risk of removing the elements from the Tree of Harmony to help in our fight. I just want to make you feel safe. I know you’re not the little dragon I hatched anymore but still, I just think you should stay home.”
Spike just looks at Twilight for a second before replying: “Oh. Well I better start unpacking my things then.” Spike said sadly, tears dwelling in his eyes but none leaking out yet, getting up off the floor and picking up his suitcase with his claws.
Twilight gets up too. “It’s going to be okay Spike," They both hug for a moment, “Say, maybe Starlight will be around. I know you and her are good friends.” Twilight says to Spike while they're still hugging.
Spike separates from the hug, still looking sad but a little relieved. “Yeah, I'm sure she will.” Spike gives a smile, Twilight giving one back.
“Well, I better go. I’m sure you and the others got this.” Spike says a little more cheerily.
“I’m sure we do.” Twilight replies back with a smile.
And with that Spike would stay home as Twilight wished, Twilight soon after heading out to walk to the train station.
* * *
Twilight appears at the train station, saddlebags all ready and packed, seeing in the distance all her other friends.
Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity walking together, each one having saddlebags of their own lying on their backs, all looking to be packed to the fullest.
As soon as they all walk over to Twilight on the station’s platform, Twilight speaks up: “Everypony good and ready?”
“Hmmph. Got everything from mane treatment to hoof care all in this small bag.” Rarity says answering her, showing to them all a small fanny pack.
“I guess so. I asked my friend Treehugger if she could watch the sanctuary while I’m gone.” Fluttershy says for her answer.
“At least you didn’t have to practically beg for Spitfire to let you off of Wonderbolts' practice. I tell you, that mare is really hard to compromise with.” Rainbow says to Fluttershy. “Oh, and I got everything I need too.” Rainbow says answering Twilight's question.
“Well, that’s great to hear. I made sure to pack everything we might need," Twilight opens her saddlebags open, levitating out: “Plenty of parchment to write on," Twilight levitates out about twenty scrolls, all blank, "Along with quills with plenty of ink,” Levitating out next six quills, plus about ten ink pots, “A map of course,” Levitating out a map of Equestria, “Lots of snacks for on the way there,” Levitates out some apples, carrots, and small bottles of apple cider, “Along with spices, for flavor.” Levitates out some spice boxes, “Plus many more! I overpack, I know.” Twilight blushing at what she just said.
“Geez Twilight. How you got all that stuff in your bags is a mystery to all of us,” Rainbow said to Twilight before looking around, “Hey, speaking of overpacking, where’s Spike at?”
“That is true. I didn’t see little Spikey-Wikey here when I first came.” Rarity said too.
Twilight acts nervously a moment before saying: “Why, I asked of him to stay home while we’re gone. To stay safe.”
“Huh. Haven't seen your 'maternalside' in quite some time darling. Not that it’s a bad thing.” Rarity says, causing Twilight to blush a little at the thought of ‘maternal side’.
Just now, the train conductor walks out onto the platform, shouting out to everypony: “All abroad! Last stop, Southern Equestria! All abroad come abroad!”
As everypony walks onto the train’s passenger cars, Twilight says to everyone: “Well guess it’s time. Let’s do this.” All the girls nod their heads in unison.
On the train headed to the southernmost part of Equestria, two of the four Mane 6 each sitting across one other in one of the train’s booth.
Twilight and Rainbow Dash sitting on one side, across from them Rarity and Fluttershy.
So far the ponies have been mainly silent since the train departed from Ponyville.
After another minute of silence, Rainbow Dash breaks it, giving a yawn first: “Well, now that we’re here, I should ask. How’ll you think this “toras” will act? Will it act like its ‘so evil it wants to destroy everything that makes others happy’ evil, or ‘evil but more like Discord’ evil?”
“Well, I have no idea.” Twilight says, answering Rainbow’s question still while reading one of the many books she brought.
“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna didn’t really describe him personality wise. I’m sure whatever it is, whatever he's like, we can deal with it together.”
“I hope so.” Fluttershy said worryingly.
Rainbow Dash gets up from her seat. “If you'll excuse me, I’ll be over in the dining car. My stomach’s growling so loud, it could probably scare away an Ursa Major.”
“Go on ahead. I’m sure we’ll be with you in a moment after I’m finished with this chapter.” Twilight says while still reading, seeing Rainbow off to go to the dining car.
Right when Rainbow exits their car, all Rarity does is immediately smile brightly towards Twilight.
Twilight looks up from her book for a split second to see Rarity smiling at her before looking back down at her book, then looking back up at Rarity several seconds later.
“Uh, got anything to share?” Twilight tells Rarity a little embarrassingly.
“Oh, well for a matter of the fact, yes I do,” Rarity brings herself over to Twilight, whispering to her: “Sources tell me, and by sources, I mean my sister and her friends, that you just so happened to be at that new Ponyville restaurant with a stallion as a date.”
Twilight immediately blushes a deep red upon hearing what Rarity said.
“Why it’s... excuse me... uh..., okay look, but it wasn’t a date date. It was more like, two old classmates just hanging out. That’s all.”
“Then why did Sweetie Belle think she'd heard you say specifically, and correct me if I'm wrong, ‘I’m having a great time too, and would love to do this again.”
Twilight’s face blushes an even deeper red.
“I... you got me.”
Rarity backs away from Twilight. “Oh I don’t mean no harm. I’m just playing, that’s all.”
Twilight brings her book down. “No no. You were gonna find out eventually, whether through your sister or finding out yourself.”
“If it’s any harm, I don’t mind what you do when we’re not around. As long as you’re happy, we’re happy.” Fluttershy said, comforting to her.
Twilight gives a slight smile towards both ponies, face turning back to its usual color.
“Well, now that you know, I guess I better fill in the details," Twilight takes a second to think things through, “His name’s Comet Tail. He’s an old classmate of mine from way back in magic kindergarten, and I may have let him borrow a book then that just a while ago, been returned to me by him. And he also may or may not of invited me out to the restaurant that night. I don’t like like him though. We’re just real good friends.”
“Well, don’t you worry. Only me and Fluttershy know about your secret," Farity says with a wink, "and we can assure you that it’s safe," Rarity gives a smile for reassurance. Fluttershy doing the same. “Well, now that that’s out of the way. Whats say we go meet up with Rainbow Dash in the dining car, if you're done reading now?” Rarity suggests to Twilight.
“Oh, I’m done with the chapter. I actually finished it days ago. I was just rereading it.” Twilight gives her usual nerdy snort, both of her friends rolling their eyes.
All three of them get up out of their seats, going on over to walk to the dining car.
Though, right when they walk a few steps do they see Rainbow Dash walking back over to them, her mane all tangled and messy, lots of scars and bruises all over her skin, looking exactly like she got in a fight of some sorts.
“Uh, what happened to you?” Twilight asked, constantly looking over Rainbow's appearance.
“Oh trust me. You do not wanna know.” Rainbow answers back dryly.
After the train had reached the farest south it could go, our main ponies had to hoof it the rest of the way.
“So I know we’re supposed to go to the most southern part of Equestria to find this guy, but how exactly do we know where he is, or how to find him?” Rainbow Dash asks either one of her friends.
“Well you see, before we left I’ve studied a spell that’ll help track down large portions of magic coming from something either living or still," Twilight answers Rainbow’s question, smiling proudly of her work, “And since we are here technically, we should be able to-“
“Um, he’s right over there. I guess.” Fluttershy said softly, interrupting Twilight, pointing a hoof over to where a big rock formation is, the Toras happening to be sitting right beside it, looking as if he seems to be mediating or something.
“You guess? Come on! Let’s go-“ Rainbow flies into the air, flying right towards him before Twilight grabs onto her tail with her magic.
“Rainbow Dash. We can’t just go up there and attack him now. Not with only four of the six Elements of Harmony here. I say we keep an eye on him, while also waiting for Pinkie and Applejack. It’s the right thing.” Twilight sets Rainbow back down by Rarity.
“Okay, I guess we could try your plan. But what if he goes somewhere else? This could be the only time to strike.” Rainbow suggested.
“True. But I do concur about the whole elements thing. We will simply have to wait ‘til Pinkie and Applejack to reach us.” Rarity said.
“I guess we can wait. But what about the Tree of Harmony? Who knows how much magic it has to protect itself while we wait.” Fluttershy says worryingly.
“Well, it’ll have to be enough. Celestia and Luna had asked of us to use the elements and that is what we’re doing,” Twilight said, answering Fluttershy, “I hope you brought enough supplies. ‘Cause it looks like we’ll be here for a while.
* * *
Three days had passed and the Toras didn’t even move an inch. The creature just doing nothing, still mediating all by himself.
For our ponies though, it felt more like three weeks than days as the wait for the rest of the Mane 6 eventually got excruciatingly boring.
“Alright Twilight. It’s been three days and he’s just sitting there doing Celestia knows what," Rainbow says angrily, “I mean, I know the elements won’t work without Pinkie and Applejack but look around,” Rainbow flies over to Twilight, putting her hooves to her head to make her look at both Fluttershy and Rarity, “Our food supply was so low when we started, that we had to send both Fluttershy and Rarity to Appleloosa. Can you imagine how long that must've took,” Then moving her head to look towards their sleeping arrangements, “I may not mind but we sleep on the ground under a tree. It may sound nice but if there’s a rain storm,” Rainbow removes her hooves from Twilight, “Let’s face it. All of Equestria is counting on us. If we don’t do something, anything now, then it could be disastrous for everypony.”
Twilight looks around at her friends. Rainbow looking mad with fury, Rarity and Fluttershy meanwhile looking calm on the outside but who knows what on the inside.
Thinking to herself of this situation, Twilight remembers something somepony once told her. The words were: “Are you having a good time?” The words being spoken by none other than Comet Tail. That pony who remembers her way back from magic kindergarten. That pony who returned a book that you gave to help him improve his magic skill. That pony who likes you.
“Well..., are any of you having a good time?” Twilight asks either any of her friends.
Fluttershy looks like she wants to say yes, but honestly feels not so.
'And who can blame her, as for three days, she’d been without her animal friends, away from the sanctuary, not caring for the ones who need all the love and attention she can give.'
Rarity doing the same, acting good and dandy on the outside, but probably feeling blum and tuckered out on the inside.
'I can see why, as she has a fashion empire to oversee, what with three stores all over Equestria. She must feel worried about all the bad stuff that could happen to anypony with whom works with her.'
Rainbow Dash of course looking angry, as she just displayed.
'Could be because she now has a job as a Wonderbolt, and feels like she has important duties now.'
'All my friends have stuff to do in their lives, and all feel like the more time they miss doing these things, the more ponies or creatures let down.'
'But what about me?'
'As a princess of Equestria, I feel like I have a very specific duty to spread the magic of friendship to all corners of the world.'
'How can I just leave to go on this adventure?'
'I have duties too, involving the friendship of ponies and creatures far and wide.'
'But because of our friendship being so strong, we still went out of our way and just did it.'
'To help make everything, and ponies, feel safe.'
“I know how you all feel and I like to say that..., I understand. You and me, we all have duties we need to fulfill, and I would like to beat this thing too but...”
All three of her friends interrupt her by hugging her at once.
'True friends do get through all the toughest of time.'
After a minute of hugging they break out of it, Rarity speaking up: “Well, now that that’s settled,” She looks all over her friends, levitating their element necklaces and crown out of their bags, and placing them on each pony, her’s included, “What do ya say?”
“I’m in.” Rainbow Dash says, flying up into the air.
“I guess so too.” Fluttershy says softly but confidently.
Twilight looks at the three of them, her smile becoming wide.
“If you feel like it’s the best time, then I’m in too.”
After hearing of Twilight’s approval, all four ponies start to immediately trot off to where the Toras is, all looking as confident as ever.
Though right as they trot out a couple feet from their campsite, both Pinkie and Applejack somehow (magically almost) appear right in front of them.
“You're back? But how did you know we were even here?” Twilight asks either pony, sounding a little surprised and confused at the same time, once she sees the two ponies again.
“We didn’t. We just started walking and hoped we’ll find you then.” Pinkie says happily.
“True story,” Applejack says in defense of Pinkie’s word, “Though it did mean we had to go through that cave.”
“Cave?” Fluttershy said scared.
“Ayeup. Big cave, filled with bats..., and bears..., and some slime slug monster. Honestly it was one of the weirdest thing we’ve ever seen.”
“Well, so now that you two are here.” Rarity levitates both their element necklaces to them.
“These things again? But I thought-“
“Well Celestia and Luna thought using the elements was what was needed to banish this creature once and for all," Twilight interrupts Applejack, “And yes, we’ve already had this conversation before.”
“Okie dokie lokie.” Pinkie bounces over by Fluttershy.
“So what now?” Applejack asks the group.
“Well, we were about to face this, "Toras" thing and hope to banish him. Now that you're here, we can gladly do it.” Rainbow answers her question.
“Well, if that’s the case then, let’s go!” Applejack yee haws before all six ponies nod their heads in unison, trotting off to where the Toras is.
* * *
The Toras is just still mediating, being as still as a tree can be.
The ponies got as close as they thought they could without him noticing them, hiding behind a tree and some bushes.
“Alright, what’s the plan?” Rainbow whispered to the others.
“I’d say we just sneak up on it, then use these bad boys on him.” Applejack whispered back.
“Yes, but we still don’t know how powerful he truly is.” Twilight whispered next.
“I’d say we try to sneak up on him quietly, then use the elements.” Rarity whispered back.
“Okay. On three.” Applejack whispered to all.
All six ponies quietly sneak out of their cover, soon enough, they all appear in front of the Toras, standing in their usual confident, battle ready stance.
Though the creature still hasn't noticed them, in fact he just mediated there for another five minutes, before finally opening up his eyes and finally seeing the six different, multi- colored ponies in front of him.
“Oh, it’s you,” The Toras finally breaks his long awaited silence, before he so casually closes his eyes once again, “If you're here to bother me, then can it be for later? I’m really digging this whole ‘enlightenment’ thing."
“What?” Twilight acts surprised.
“Drop the act bud! We’re onto you.” Pinkie says seriously to him.
“Oh, okay, so it's like that,” The Toras gets up, standing to his fullest height so he can face all six ponies, “So, how we doing this? You use those “elements” things to banish me?” He says in a monotone, bored voice.
“Yeah!” Rainbow flies up into the air. “What do you have to say about it?!”
The Toras looks at her questionably, while also very bored. “Well stop you, I guess.”
“You guess?!” Rainbow shouts back at him.
Fluttershy flies up into the air by Rainbow, whispering softly to her: “You already said that earlier.”
“Am I bothering you? What if I changed into something else? Something better?” The Toras does a quick 360- spin to the right, then he himself magically appearing like that of Comet Tail. Cutie mark and all that. “Better?” He said, now sounding exactly like CT.
“Wha...?” Twilight looks confused. “How, why?”
“What, don’t you like me now? I thought you did.”
Applejack walks over to Twilight’s side. “Now now. He’s just trying to get in your head. Just, don’t fall for it.”
The Toras does another quick 360- spin to his left, reverting back to his normal appearance, now looking at Applejack. “So, how did it go?”
“Pardon. How did what go?”
“Well, the 'friendship mission' you and the pink one went on. How did it go?”
“Okay, this is just now gettin' weird.”
Pinkie bounces over by Applejack’s side. “Ooo, do me. Do me!” Pinkie asks him happily.
AJ nudges her shoulder, whispering to her: “Don’t let it do that. He’s just tryna’ get in your head.”
“Well, I would love to stay and chat some more, but it seems like you’ve got someone to banish,” The Toras stands on his hind legs, motioning a hoof to his belly, making a target appear, “Fire when ready.”
“Oh, it’s on!” Rainbow said as she and Fluttershy both land on the ground.
“Hold on,” Twilight calls to Rainbow, “This has to be a trick. No way he’s surrendering this easily.”
“Oh, but I am. Now get on with it.” The Toras tells her, sounding a little impatient.
'There has to be a catch. It just can’t be this easy.'
“What’ll waitin’ for Twi? He’s not doin’ anything.” Applejack said, trying to make reason to Twilight.
“Okay... alright. Girls!” At Twilight’s command, all six ponies get in position.
Twilight casts her crown to start up first, after doing so, the rest of the six’s necklaces power on.
All six ponies, now fully powered up, getting in their usual ‘elements blast the baddie’ formation. All at once, starting from Twilight’s crown to her friend’s necklaces, launches a rainbow colored laser beam, hitting the Toras right in the chest area, again no struggle from him. The Toras actually looking quite bored at what’s happening.
The rainbow colored laser beam wraps up all around him, bringing him up into the air before another rainbow colored laser beam is launched from the six ponies' necklaces, this beam of rainbow color making a portal appear right next to the Toras, who's now all wrapped up in rainbow colored wrapping paper almost.
Then before you know it, the Toras is thrown into the portal, a loud, rainbow explosion sounding as soon as he's thrown in.
The Toras was “defeated” and banished.
A joyous achievement.
But why was it so easy?
Something isn’t right, and the battle can’t be over yet.
The end of an adventure it seemed, but the start of another maybe.
The End Of An Adventure (But The Start Of Another One)
“Weird? Try more weirder than Discord and Pinkie Pie combine.” Rainbow Dash says following Twilight.
“Uh huh. Definitely more weirder.” Pinkie nods her head in agreement.
“So, what now?” Applejack asks either anypony.
“Now? Now we..., I don’t know. It just let us banish him so easily. There has to be a catch.” Twilight tries to give as an answer.
“Well whatever ‘catch’ it is, it’s gone now.” Rarity said after Twi.
“Yes but what if it’s...-“ Twilight gets interrupted by her own train of thought.
'What if it wanted us to banish him? What if he’s plotting something real sinister that involves having to be banished?'
'So many questions, not enough answers'
'What if he was banished to the same universe where my Canterlot High friends live?'
“Something the matter darling?” Rarity asks Twilight. “You're just standing still while staring off into space. Everything’s alright?”
After another minute or two of deep thought, Twilight finally speaks up: “We have to go, NOW!”
“Uh, pardon?” Rainbow Dash asked her.
“I’ll explain on the train ride back. But we gotta leave now.” Twilight says to everyone.
* * *
On the train ride back to Ponyville, all six ponies in silence (even Pinkie), until Applejack speaks up: “Alright Twi, what is it? What’s happening?!”
“Well, I don’t know exactly, but I don’t wanna risk anything,” Twilight takes a deep breath, “I wonder. The Toras was so easy to defeat. What if he's planning something big?”
“Something big? Like what?” Rarity asks her.
“I don’t know. But what if he’s banished to another universe? And that universe just so happen to be the same one that my Canterlot High friends all live.”
Rarity gasps in shocked fashion. “You don’t suppose?”
Twilight looks over all her friends. “There’s only one way to find out.”
* * *
As soon as they returned to Ponyville. the six ponies immediately went to return the elements to the Tree of Harmony, just to be safe for now.
After that, they would all decide to meet in the Castle of Friendship's Throne Room, there to discuss what they’ve experienced, and what to do next.
“I don’t get it. How, why, was that so easy?” Rainbow Dash says to all of the ponies, each one sitting on their own throne.
“I don’t know either, but I do feel that there’s more to this,” Twilight says back to her, “If what I think is correct, and I hope I’m not, then we may have to act soon.”
Twilight walks out of the Throne Room to go and find Spike, having to yell all throughout the Castle's long, empty hallways just to find him.
After about a minute of walking and yelling, she finally finds the purple dragon in her room, sleeping, all curled up, hugging his tail like it’s a plush toy, right on her bed’s covers.
Twilight, despite the situation, still brings a smile to her face, going over to nudge him gently, waking him.
“Oh, you're back,” Spike mumbles to her before going back to sleep, then immediately opening his eyes wide, spranging up straight on the bed, “I mean, nice to see you again.” Spike says as he reaches for Twilight's hoof shaking it. Twilight giving a smile back.
“So, what happened? Did you banish it?”
“Technically, yes. But we’re still not done yet I feel. And we’ll gonna need your help.
“Really?” Spike says excitedly, a wide smile appearing.
“Yes. And you can help by first, bringing me my journal I use to write to Sunset Shimmer, and to bring it to the Throne Room where my friends are at. Okay?”
Spike jumps off the bed. “Okay!” Spike says excitedly, then running out of her room and towards the Library.
Twilight gives a smile before walking on back to the Throne Room.
Once in the Throne Room, Twilight goes to sit at her own throne.
“Anypony come up with any idea on how to handle this situation while I was gone?” Twilight asks her friends, though all five shaking their heads 'no', all giving a strug.
“You got anything?” Fluttershy asked Twilight.
“I think maybe. Though it is risky.” As soon as Twilight stops talking, Spike comes into the Throne Room, journal tucked in his arm.
“Ah, thanks Spike.” Twilight says as she levitates the book from his grip.
“Eh, it was nothing.” Spike says confidently.
Pinkie takes just one look at the book. “Oo oo, I get it. Your plan is to write to Sunset Shimmer with this,” Pinkie somehow appears right by the journal, “journal to ask if she sees anything out of the ordinary involving Equestrian magic, because you think that the Toras maybe, I don't know, was banished to the same universe that all of your Canterlot High friends live.” Pinkie Pie lets out the biggest i]squee, ever, along with a big smile, her friends plus Spike staring at her in silence.
“Okay. I would ask how you know all that, but you are Pinkie Pie.” Twilight says, Pinkie bouncing over by Spike.
“You think it’ll work?” Applejack later asked Twilight.
“We’ll see,” Twilight answers AJ, opening up the journal to a fresh, blank page, “Also I should mention. While Sunset and her friends are out keeping an eye out for the Toras, we should also look for him too. Whether in our world, or any other else's."
“Pfft. Is that all. Just get to writing already so we can start right away.” Rainbow says confidently, finding a quill from somewhere and throwing it over to Twilight, her catching it with her magic.
All five of her friends give a quick smile towards her, Twilight doing the same for them.
“Ok... let’s do this.” Twilight lifts the quill up to the paper, starting out with: “Dear Sunset Shimmer...”
Right before the Toras was banished to another universe, happening exactly one day before, the Toras had carved up on a stone tablet, firstly making appear to him a chisel to write with, the Toras had wrote down on this stone tablet a prophecy.
A prophecy that involved the ponies of Equestria.
And right after the Toras had wrote down this prophecy on the stone tablet, he dug a hole in the ground, and buried the tablet right there.
His hope is that one day, the ponies will come back to this place and discover it, but more likely than not, that probably won’t happen.
What was written on the stone tablet?
Something like this: “I feel my time left in this universe is short, but fair enough, I’ll at least warn them. On this stone tablet, I write about a prophecy, a prophecy that’s yet to happen, and should’ve already done so. This prophecy, that once the old pony legend known as ‘Nightmare Moon’ or ‘the Mare of the Moon’, is released from her thousand year captivity, and returns to her old home, the stars up in the sky, the very same ones that helped freed her in the first place, shall all rain down on this pony continent, and all the other creatures’ as well. They will do this for their Princess, to punish the ponies for rejecting Her and putting Her on the moon for a thousand years. They, the stars, won’t stop until every last chunk of this pony land is all but completely destroyed. All for their Princess, Hail the Moon. But I also write, that this catastrophic event is preventable. On that fateful day, a Unicorn whom nopony knows of, somepony different and unique, will, with the help of friends, use his magic to stop this event from ever taking place. That Unicorn will save everypony’s lives. Who is this Unicorn I speak of? Nopony will know until that very same pony realizes what six, magical friends he has, and is risen up to be a part of pony royalty. This is all I know, I’m afraid. My time in this universe is coming to a close, those same six, magical friends I said earlier are coming to take me away. So long, ol’ pony world. May the next one treat me better. -Toras”
